Wandering Together

Traveling with family is an adventure filled with memories, laughter, and…logistics. On our recent trip to the Bahamas, we experienced firsthand how a simple decision—whether to check our bags—made a world of difference, especially when traveling with my mom and preteen daughter. Spoiler alert: checking our bags on the return flight was a game-changer.

If you’re planning a multigenerational trip, here’s why checking bags might just be the travel hack you didn’t know you needed.

1. Breeze Through Security—Less to Juggle, Less to Stress

Security lines can be overwhelming, especially when juggling carry-ons, personal items, and making sure everyone keeps track of their belongings. On our outbound flight, managing roller bags while navigating the usual airport hustle and bustle made the process more hectic for all of us.

The Fix: On the way back, we decided to check my mom’s bag—and our daughter’s—which made a noticeable difference. With fewer items to manage, we moved through security more smoothly and kept the focus on each other rather than the luggage. Less juggling meant less stress, which made the whole process feel more relaxed.

2. Lighter Load = More Comfortable Walks Through the Airport

Airports can be sprawling, with long hallways, unexpected gate changes, and crowded spaces. Even for confident, independent travelers, pulling a heavy bag over long distances can be tiring. We realized that without the added weight of a roller bag, it was easier for my mom to move comfortably at her own pace, enjoying the journey instead of focusing on managing her luggage.

The Fix: Checking our bags allowed us all to walk more freely, without the physical strain of pulling suitcases. It gave us more flexibility to adjust our pace and focus on the experience rather than the effort.

3. No More Maneuvering Bags in Tight Spaces

If you’ve ever tried rolling a suitcase down a narrow airplane aisle, you know it’s no easy task. Add the challenge of settling into seats while holding up the boarding process, and it can quickly become frustrating.

The Fix: With our larger bags checked, boarding was a breeze. We navigated the aisle with ease, helped each other get settled, and didn’t have to worry about squeezing suitcases through tight spaces. It made for a calmer, more organized start to the flight.

4. Say Goodbye to the Overhead Bin Struggle

Finding overhead bin space can feel like a competitive sport, especially on full flights. It’s even more challenging when trying to assist family members who may prefer not to lift heavy items overhead—or who simply shouldn’t have to.

The Fix: By checking our roller bags, we eliminated the need to worry about overhead bins entirely. We boarded with just our personal items, settled into our seats quickly, and enjoyed a stress-free takeoff.

5. A Customs Shortcut (with Less to Carry!)

Here’s a bonus tip if you’re flying from the Bahamas: you clear U.S. customs before you leave. That means once we landed at DCA, we could walk straight out of the airport without the usual customs lines. Having fewer bags to manage made this process even smoother, allowing us to focus on navigating the airport instead of juggling luggage.

6. The Duty-Free Dilemma: Plan Ahead

One thing to keep in mind—if you’re buying duty-free items, you’ll need to carry them on board. This can add an extra layer of items to manage, especially if you’re already juggling personal bags.

Pro Tip: Leave extra space in your personal item to tuck away duty-free purchases. It’s a simple trick that keeps your hands free and your focus on the people you’re traveling with.

Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Check It Out

Checking bags isn’t always the right choice for every trip, but for multigenerational family travel, it can make the journey more comfortable and less stressful. The key is to balance the convenience of having your bag with you against the freedom of moving through the airport hands-free.

Would I check bags again when traveling with my family?
Absolutely. It gave us the freedom to focus on each other instead of our luggage—and that’s what family travel is really all about. However, when taking a quick trip, if you can get it in a backpack, I prefer lighter easier travel, how we pack depends on who is going on the trip.

Extra Travel Tips for Multigenerational Families:

Have you had a similar experience with checked bags making travel easier? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips for smooth multigenerational adventures!